By Tracy Moses
The House of Representatives on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to introduce strong regulatory frameworks for the importation of foreign textiles in a bid to revive Nigeria’s ailing local textile industry and stimulate the domestic economy.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Garba Ibrahim Muhammad, who highlighted the importance of revitalizing the once-thriving textile sector. The House also called for collaboration between the government and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to ensure steady power supply and support for local textile manufacturers to improve production quality.
Additionally, lawmakers urged the Federal Ministries of Finance, Industry, Trade and Investment, and other relevant agencies to promote homegrown textiles by facilitating soft loans and access to credit through the Bank of Industry. The House further mandated its Committee on Industry and Commerce to organize a public hearing involving stakeholders in the textile industry to assess challenges and explore recovery strategies.
Presenting the motion, Muhammad recalled that Nigeria’s textile industry, which had over 180 functioning mills between the 1960s and 1980s, once played a major role in industrial growth, providing jobs for nearly 450,000 Nigerians and accounting for 67% of manufacturing growth.
He noted that Nigeria is richly endowed with raw materials like cotton and wool, which, if properly harnessed, could significantly boost local textile production and drive economic growth. Reviving the sector, he said, would create employment opportunities, reduce social unrest, improve national
security, and enhance Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in textile production.